4 Best Nonstick Cookware Sets, Tested and Reviewed

When we test nonstick cookware sets in the Good Housekeeping Institute, we consider performance and ease of use like we do for all cookware, tools and appliances we test.

✔️ Type of nonstick cookware: The first thing to consider is whether you'd like traditional nonstick cookware or ceramic cookware. All nonstick pots and pans require care to better preserve their coating. (More on that below!)

• Traditional nonstick tends to last longer and be more nonstick, but it shouldn't be used at high temperatures.
• Ceramic nonstick can withstand higher temperatures but isn't as nonstick and doesn't usually last as long as traditional nonstick.

✔️ Weight: Mid-weight cookware sets are versatile enough to reach high temperatures but are still easy enough to handle. Lightweight pots and pans heat quickly which can lead to food burning if you're not careful. Heavy ones can withstand more heat and usually retain it better but can be harder to maneuver. Weight is often directly correlated to the material. Stainless steel is durable but heavy; aluminum is lightweight and heats quickly. You may see some sets labeled as "hard anodized," which is a coating that makes some materials, like aluminum, stronger.

✔️ Handles: Long, thick or wide handles are comfortable to hold and are typically designed to stay cool. Some have grips that encourage a particular hold for better balance, and helper handles are another nice feature to look for that make carrying large or heavy pans easier. In addition to the design of a handle, the material makes a difference too. When it comes to versatility, stainless steel handles can often be used in the oven at higher temperatures than plastic ones.

✔️ Cooktop compatibility: Most cookware is designed to be compatible with gas and electric cooktops. But if you have an induction cooktop, make sure that the cookware you are purchasing is compatible. An induction-ready piece of cookware will have a base made out of a magnetic material, like iron. Most manufacturers will list this feature right on the box and even directly on the cookware item.

Is nonstick cookware safe?

Traditional nonstick pans have gotten a bad rap because most are made with Teflon, a fluorinated coating also known as PTFE, which can release gaseous and particulate compounds at high temperatures that have been linked to health concerns.

In the past, Teflon was made with PFOA, a chemical linked to certain cancers, but it was banned in 2016 in the production of food contact articles in the United States. It's important to note, however, that in some cases PFOA has been replaced with a similar chemical that's part of the same PFAS family.

While cooking with Teflon-coated cookware has been considered safe when used properly and not overheated, there is growing concern about the prevalence of PFOA and other PFAS in our environment and how they can affect us. There is legislation on the table surrounding the use of it in cookware and how it should be disclosed to consumers.

Can nonstick cookware go in the dishwasher?

Most nonstick cookware can go in the dishwasher. We, and some manufacturers, recommend against it, however, because it can decrease the longevity of your pots and pans. Dishwashers reach hot temperatures that can break down coatings faster, but the bigger concern is actually the dishwasher detergent. Some can be abrasive.

Can nonstick cookware go in the oven?

Some nonstick cookware can go in the oven. Always check your user guide for the oven-safe temperatures that are recommended. If you don't have your user guide handy, 350ºF is a relatively safe temperature to keep in mind, especially if the handles aren't made of metal. Most nonstick cookware can handle temperatures up to 400ºF and some on our list can handle up to 600ºF.

• Use medium or low heat unless the pots and pans are made of a heavy-duty material. Nonstick pans tend to be thinner than stainless steel and other materials so they heat quickly.
• Don't heat an empty nonstick pan — it'll get hotter faster and can quickly approach the the 500˚F mark faster, which is when Teflon starts to break down.
• Use less oil than you would in a stainless steel pan. You won't need it to coat the pan and more oil can burn and make your kitchen smoky.
• Don't use metal utensils if you can help it. Some nonstick cookware says it's metal utensil-safe but it'll last longer if you're more delicate with it and use silicone, nylon or wooden utensils.

• It's always a good idea to wash your pots and pans after you use them. We recommend soapy water and hot water to break through any lasting grease. While most nonstick cookware these days claims to be dishwasher-safe, we still recommend washing by hand to help preserve the coating. Detergents and other harsh conditions of the dishwasher can cause it to break down faster.
• For the rare case you come across a stubborn stain, gently use the back part of your sponge. Magic Erasers can also be good tools to remove stickiness. Some ceramic cookware companies now include them in their sets. Do, however, use them with caution and not too often as they can also cause the coating to wear.
• Line your nonstick cookware with tea towels or paper towels if you have to stack them for storage. This trick will help prevent scratching.

Kitchen Appliances Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou wrote this guide and oversaw the testing behind it. A trained chef, she's personally tested over 80 cookware sets over the past five years, including almost all of the sets featured in this article.

Kitchen Appliances Lab Analyst Eva Bleyer also contributed to testing for this guide.